Nag Ashwin’s film “Kalki 2898 AD” featuring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani is set to premiere in theaters on June 27. This highly anticipated sci-fi action-drama has received approval from the Telangana government for additional screenings and increased ticket prices during the first 8 days of its release in the state.

Extra shows, hiked ticket prices

A spokesperson from the film’s team announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the initial screening of Kalki 2898 AD in Telangana will commence at 5:30 am on the day of its release. They wrote, “Prabhas Kalki film ticket price hike, Telangana government approves extra shows.”

They added, “Ticket price hike is allowed for 8 days from 27th of this month to 4th of July. An increase of Rs.70 in regular theaters and Rs.100 in multiplexes is allowed. On 27 the show starts at 5:30.” They also shared a copy of the permit.

Reaction of Movie buffs

While fans were excited about the chance to see the film early on Thursday, some expressed disappointment over the ticket prices: ₹377 for a benefit show at a single screen, ₹495 for a multiplex show, and ₹265 and ₹413 for regular screenings.

One fan suggested that since the Telugu film industry is already grappling with challenges from early OTT releases, increasing ticket prices may not be the best approach. They wrote, “Telugu movie industry is facing a tough time with early OTT releases. Adding exorbitant ticket prices for films like #Kalki is a big no! Who will come to theatres if this continues? Let’s keep our cinema affordable and accessible, like it’s always been. Don’t make movies a luxury. (sic)”

Telugu movie industry is facing a tough time with early OTT releases. Adding exorbitant ticket prices for films like #Kalki is a big no! Who will come to theatres if this continues? Let’s keep our cinema affordable and accessible, like it’s always been. Don’t make movies a luxury pic.twitter.com/6pcDKzHYKj

— Swathiiii 🌸 (@Swathi_Prasad96) June 23, 2024

Another thought such hiked prices would lead to piracy, writing, “I think ticket price hike is going to KILL this movie. Ticket hike for kalki is too much, if movie is good and if they believe content is good, then they shld release movie at regular price. So PPL can see mvie with family. Else piracy. (sic)”

A social media user on X noted that with school fees typically due in June, significantly raising ticket prices might not be well-timed or well-received, stating, “With that exorbitant ticket price. And month end and that too in June, where most of the families pay up the fees for new academic year. Yeah, #KALKI2898AD‌ may see below avg openings. Entha hype unte enti ra babu, tickets affordable undali. (No matter how much hype it has, tickets need to be affordable) Whatever, I push KALKI to be a hit.”

With that exorbitant ticket price. And month end and that too in June, where most of the families pay up the fees for new academic year.

Yeah, #KALKI2898AD‌ may see below avg openings. Entha hype unte enti ra babu, tickets affordable undali. Whatever, I push KALKI to be a hit. pic.twitter.com/t0U0D3AyyK

— Ashwith Harshavardhan (@avhr797) June 22, 2024

Kalki 2898 AD

Set in a future dystopia, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ follows the journey of Bhairava (played by Prabhas), a bounty hunter, SUM-80 (played by Deepika), a pregnant woman on the run, Ashwatthama (played by Amitabh), awaiting Kalki’s arrival at the end of the Kali Yug, and Supreme Yaskin (played by Kamal), who harbors his own agendas. The film will feature Kasi, where the Ganga River has dried up, Shambala, a sanctuary for rebels and refugees, and the Complex, the sole bastion of abundant resources.